Paco Chierici

I had seen some of Paco Chierici's other work on video, such as the Speed and Angels documentary, and I was somewhat aware of his USN career and experience through interviews and articles I had seen. So I was interested to see how his first novel would turn out.

Not everyone can make the transition from the cockpit, or from behind the camera, to write a quality work of fiction. I haven't come across much really good fiction written by pilots, to be honest. I'm a pilot myself (although nothing like Chierici's career!), and I also write fiction which includes aviation scenes, so I have some handle on this.

Lions of the Sky was a pleasant surprise. I knew I was going to enjoy the FA18, USN, carrier-ops aspects anyway (I always do, even if the writing isn't great), but this book is a well-written piece of fiction. Others have criticized some of the extensive technical detail, but I did not find this to be an issue. It was well-balanced by solid characterization, excellent action scenes, and generally solid descriptions. It carried a tangible 'sense of place' - both in and out of the cockpit. Character dialogue was strong too.

The plot was a little predictable, and yes a touch TopGun melodramatic at the end, but not so much as to spoil the book. I found some aspects of the spy incursion onto the aircraft carrier a little hard to believe.

What really interested me was the inclusion of female fighter pilots as lead characters in the story. I train flight instructors as part of my job - including females - and I'm very aware of sexism in the aviation industry and the unique challenges females have to face. These aspects were well handled by the author. He avoided one-dimensional 'plastic' female characterizations (as I often see in military fiction), and painted his characters with reasonable depth and authenticity.

I enjoyed the training aspects immensely. It was great to get a real insight into how the USN trains, prepares and tests their trainee pilots - including inter-gender, cultural and political issues.

If I could give it 4.5 stars I would. It's a ripping read and definitely recommended.… (más)

Basically, you're reading the movie "Top Gun" without the eye candy. The book blurb is a very poor summary of this novel, which is ostensibly about women trying to become naval aviators, and the extra challenges facing them because of their gender. Overall, I thought the book was weak in character development, weaker in plot, until the stunning air combat in the South China Sea at the end. The novel could have been significantly improved with a greater focus on the activities of the rogue Chinese general and his mercenary.… (más)

This is a fascinating read! We begin the story with a commando on a boat in the South China Sea. Once his inflatable craft docks on the beach, he begins his operation.

The following day takes us to Virginia Beach, Virginia and we are flying low with engaging characters. Cruising along in a 1966 427 Shelby AC Cobra has always appealed to me and I was immediately intrigued by the characters Slammer and Quick.

The cockpit drama is a strong focal point.

A mix of humor and well-placed use of similes combine with the real and simulated scenes for those being trained as fighter pilots with the intention to fly the F/A-18 Hornet and later be part of the combat squadron.

Chierici skillfully points out many of the perils U.S. Navy Aviators face and makes us aware of how quickly they must regain focus during periods of anguish.

I received a copy of this book from FSB Associates.… (más)

As a fan of aviation/military novels, I really enjoyed this book. It will leave you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. Not to sound cliché but this book does instantly remind you of Top Gun. Yet, you could saw this is the female version. Keeley is the perfect female lead.

She could hold her own against the men in this book. In fact, she gave them back more then she received. However, she had the skills to back up her cockiness. Speaking of the men in this book; I liked each and every one of them as well. There is not one that I can pick as a favorite.

Readers will really enjoy this book. It is fast paced with engaging characters. It was like a movie playing in my head the whole time I was reading it. Mr. Chierci's wealth of in depth knowledge really does play nicely to this book. This book may take place in the sky but it deserves a place in your bookshelf as well.

Warning as this book does contain the "f" word. Yet, it is used in context and for accurately.… (más)